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Terracotta plaque showing an operation in the 1500s, Germany, 1701-1900

This terracotta plaque shows a scene in a tavern where a man is performing surgery on another man’s hand. The other men sitting around the table playing cards and listening to a hurdy-gurdy appear unaware of the activities occurring at the other end of the table. This type of scene was probably a common occurrence. This plaque may have been hung at a barber-surgeon’s shop or it might be a commemorative piece.